It’s worth knowing about Kerkini because it is an area rich in customs and traditions
…it is one of the richest areas in the country in terms of folklore customs and traditions, mainly due to the unique composition of its population, consisting of locals, Asia Minor refugees, Pontians, Thracians, and others.
Unique morals, customs, and ancestral traditions are revived in various parts of the prefecture, such as the Anastenaria, Gynaikokratia – Babbo – Vrexoudia, and Traditional Wrestling.
The Anastenaria
The Anastenaria began at the start of the century in the village of Kosti in the province of Sozoagatoupolis in Eastern Rumelia. In the prefecture of Serres, the places where it is celebrated today are Agia Eleni and Kerkini. The “fire-walking” or “akaia” is the main feature of the custom, surrounded by fascinating rituals and sacred practices, such as the ritual animal sacrifice and the trance of the faithful, with the constant presence of music from folk musicians. The popular Thracian worship of the Anastenaria has survived since antiquity and, apart from the bacchic frenzy of the participants, preserves many remnants of Dionysian worship.
The ceremony begins on the eve of the feast of Saints Constantine and Helen on May 20. On this day, the sacrificial animal (Kourbani) is offered, as well as the transfer of the icons (of Saints Constantine and Helen) from the church to the village konaki (ritual house). On the morning of May 21, the Anastenarides carry the icons and place them at the sacred spring, a holy site in the grove. In the afternoon, the first fire-walking takes place. When the embers are ready, the Anastenarides are summoned, and under the sounds of music, they arrive in procession and begin the circular dance around and over the fire. Similar ceremonies, held this time indoors in the konaki, are also performed on the feast of Saint Athanasios on January 18.
Gynaikokratia – Babbo – Vrexoudia
The feast of Babbo or the midwife is an ancient custom. In Greece, it was brought by the inhabitants of Eastern Rumelia who settled in Thrace and Macedonia. In Monokklisia, the custom was introduced in 1923 by refugees from Petra in Eastern Thrace. Through its rituals, the custom honors reproduction, childbirth, and the woman who brings life into the world. It is also a distant echo of the matriarchal spirit. Every year on January 8, the custom of “Gynaikokratia” or “Babbo” or “Vrexoudia” is revived in the municipal districts of Monokklisia, Nea Petra, A. Kamila, Livadia, and more recently in Charopo. At dawn, women loudly announce, accompanied by an orchestra, that the village is now under their rule. Married women elect a woman president and then the other members of the council, all exclusively women. They then occupy public buildings, ring the church bells, collect money for the day’s expenses, and gather provisions for the evening feast. On this day, men take care of the household chores and are forbidden to appear in the streets. Wearing the housewife’s apron, they wash clothes, iron, and take care of the children. The punishment for violators is to be doused with water, stripped, and mocked by all the women. At dawn the next day, the village returns to its usual state.
Traditional Wrestling
Traditional wrestling is directly connected to local festivals. Such festivals are held:
In Skotoussa (beginning on September 8, the feast day of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary). At the festival in the settlement “Pyrgos” of Mavrothalassa (eve of Saint Marina, July 16–17). At the festivals of Iraklia (end of August), of Nigrita (Saint Athanasios – May 2, Saint Thomas – Sunday after Easter, Saint John the Baptist in Flambouro – June 24, Saint George in Anthi – April 23, Saint Panteleimon in Thermes – July 27, Zoodochos Pigi in Terpni – Friday after Easter, as well as in Skoutari). There, visitors can encounter the last traditional wrestlers, the “pehlivans.” Before starting the match, the athletes wear the so-called “kiuspeto” or “kispeto,” leather trousers up to the knees made of processed goat skin, while they oil their entire bodies.
The wrestlers’ entrance into the “aloni” (arena) is spectacular, with hand slaps on the knees and other gestures. Throughout the matches, the sound of the zurna and the daouli drum is heard, stopping only at the moment when the great winner is announced.
Photo Gallery
Customs in the Lake Kerkini area
Customs in the Lake Kerkini area
Customs in the Lake Kerkini area
Customs in the Lake Kerkini area
Customs in the Lake Kerkini area
Customs in the Lake Kerkini area
Customs in the Lake Kerkini area
